PREPARATION THROUGH PRAYER - 11/26/22 (Saturday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time)

Luke 21:34–36

“But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112622.cfm

Blessed Saturday! Today is the last day of this liturgical year which means that tomorrow will be the first day of the new liturgical year. For this past week, we've been reflecting on the end times in preparation for the second coming of Christ. Meanwhile, tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent which is the beginning of our preparation for Christmas, the day we celebrate the first coming of Jesus Christ. If there is one thing that will help us to prepare, both for the glorious second coming of Jesus and for the Nativity, it's prayer. Prayer can help us in at least two waya. First, we will be more vigilant against all anxieties and worldly things. In the gospel reading, our Lord warns us of the danger of dwelling on the cares of life which may give us anxieties and make us unable to have the strength to do God's will. At the same time, Jesus is telling us that if we are not persevering in prayer throughout the day, we may be surprised by the temptations that will face us. One is drunkenness, but the words of Jesus are applicable in all other sins. This is why we should immediately reject the first moment of temptations which we can only do by depending on God in our prayers. 

Second, prayer can help us especially if we realize that we already fall to many sins. The prayer life is not just for few holy people, but it's for everyone because God desires our salvation. Below this reflection, there is a YouTube link that gives us a testimony of a former drug addict. At first, his family thought that there was no hope in him with everything he had done that was bad for his physical health, including his spiritual health due to his sins. And yet, God has always been patient and merciful with him. This person realized how God saved him from death and from hell, and he dedicated his life to God by becoming a devout Catholic. Not just that, but his love for the Blessed Virgin Mary deepened. Our Mother Mary led him to Jesus Christ. The greatest miracles we can experience in life are the conversion of sinners. And, this is possible for all of us if we will seek forgiveness and graces from God through our prayer. He is just waiting for us to acknowledge that He has always been with us in our journey. May we also persevere in praying the rosary everyday because this is pleasing to Jesus and Mary. Through prayer, we have the hope of standing before Jesus Christ in heaven. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

A Testimony of Conversion from a Former Drug Addict:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eDrrkvjguDY

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/